It’s the time of year when I am trying to clean out the old & make a little money for fun summer activities with my family. Here are 6 great tips for having successful yard sales.

#1 – Schedule yard sales on Saturday, Friday, second best day or Sunday (if acceptable in your area), avoid holiday weekends if possible. I have seen a few places that have done a “Commuter Sale.” Commuter Sales take place on a busy street on a weeknight.

#2 – Treat the sale like a business. Organize the merchandise by putting like items together so people can find what they’re looking for. Put clothing on a rack or string a clothesline to hang it on.  Have prices clearly marked.  However, prepared to haggle. If you’re firm on price you want for a particular item, put that on the tag. But remember, people that shop yard sales are looking for bargains. What you may think something is worth, may not be the same as what the shoppers feel it is worth. If stuff isn’t moving, start dropping prices during the day.

Don’t take personal checks.  Consider though taking PayPal for large items like furniture, sometimes people are more willing to spend a lot of money if they can use their credit or debit card to pay.

#3 – Consider having a joint sale with your friends or neighbors if you don’t think you have enough to fill a yard. More is better. Keep track of what belongs to who by using different colored price tags on each family’s items. We have found that having some brightly colored items seems to draw people in. Go grab a couple of helium balloons, they add color and can be used to draw people in.  When I myself am driving around looking for yard sales I know that I usually stop if something colorful catches my eye.

#4 – Spend time on your signs. Much garage sale traffic just follows signs, so make sure you write in large, legible block print on large poster boards.  Place on busy corners near your home if sign codes allow. Make sure your directions simple yet specific.  Also, run ads in local papers, on the Internet and put up fliers (again you may need to check with your city to see what is allowed). Be specific about what type of merchandise you have. Make sure you list you big or hot ticket items. You’ll get the people who really want the stuff.

#5 – Get the kids involved.  At lots of sales that I have been to there are kids selling cold sodas, bottles of water, donuts, etc…  Seriously 98% off the time we buy treats and drinks at yard sales!  Also, talk your kids into selling some of their junk to make a little bit of pocket money for themselves, save for a vacation, or a fun family activity that you wouldn’t necessarily do.

#6 – Do you wonder what to do with all the leftover stuff at the end of the sale?  Towards the end of the sale you can offer BOGO deals, have a free table, or I have even seen people that will say “fill your car trunk for $10.”  One more option is to donate it and get the tax deduction.  There are organizations that will even come pick your stuff up from you.

There you go.  Go out and have a great yard sale.